In this powerful book on the experience of desolation John Colwell focuses on Psalm 22, read in the light of his own struggle with bi-polar disorder and the Christian belief that God the Son suffered in his humanity, to offer existential-theological reflections on the experience of God-forsakenness. 'My concern in writing this book and reading this psalm is to reflect on the felt experience of God-forsakenness, my own and that of Christ in the light of this psalm; to explore the theological and spiritual significance of this felt experience for myself, for Christ, for Christians generally. If this exploration proves to be helpful to me or to others then obviously I am glad, but I am not writing this book to be helpful but rather to be truthful (and perhaps hopeful). This is a personal journey of reflection with a psalm which I invite you, the reader, to share if you will.'

Traditionally systematic theology is structured around the Creed?'s articles. While this approach has its benefits it is not without flaws. One weakness is that the roots of theology in Christian worship can be lost sight of and discussions become abstract. But there is another way to structure systematic theology, an approach explicitly rooted in the rhythm of the pattern of liturgy.John Colwell provides a short, inspiring introduction to a systematic theology that is built around the worshipful rhythms of the Christian Year. Chapters include the one who comes (Advent); the One who takes our humanity (Christmas); the one who is revealed (Epiphany); the one who journeys to the cross (Lent); the one who lives and reigns (Easter); the one who indwells and transforms (Pentecost); and the one who invites us into communion ('All Saints Day'). In this ancient-future way Christian worship, theology and discipleship are woven into a seamless garment.